Florida’s Board of Education added U.S. actions against Nicolás Maduro — from 2020 indictments to a January military operation — to high‑school anti‑communism standards that will reach classrooms this fall.

Preliminary VISIT FLORIDA estimates show 143.3 million visitors in 2025, driven by domestic travel and a record fourth quarter. The tally could reshape spring travel across Orlando, Miami and the Gulf Coast.

Photos show deputies training on new body cameras and the sheriff’s office says the devices will be used beginning the next shift. The move follows months of debate over costs and transparency.

The Florida Senate unanimously passed SB 52 to let unpaid volunteers serve as armed security at houses of worship under sheriff‑approved plans. The move has prompted debate over training and liability.

A coalition of seven Florida private schools says Step Up For Students failed to deliver millions in scholarship dollars, straining small and special‑needs programs and spawning a Duval County lawsuit.

A quick guide to Plant City9s April 7, 2026 municipal election: key dates, early voting at City Hall, mail-ballot deadlines and who9s running.

The Bernie McCabe Second DCA courthouse opened in downtown St. Petersburg — a $59M, three‑story building with a single high‑tech courtroom and suites for 15 judges.

Candidate qualifying closed Feb. 17, locking municipal lineups in Dade City, New Port Richey, Port Richey and Saint Leo for the April 14 election. Voters should check registration and ID now.

Hillsborough County extends emergency burn ban due to dry conditions, with some exclusions like barbecuing and approved burns; over 39,626 acres burned by wildfires.

Hillsborough County hosts ShredFest 2026 for free document shredding and electronic disposal to prevent identity theft, on March 7 at Veterans Memorial Park.

Lawmakers in Tallahassee advanced bills to let booster money top up high-school coach pay, setting a statewide floor tied to hours worked and raising equity questions.

The Florida House voted to send a 2026 ballot question that could eliminate most non‑school property taxes on homesteads, setting up a fight over billions in local funding.

President Trump directed agencies to begin identifying and reviewing UAP/UFO and 'alien' records for public release. Archivists and defense officials say reviews will be slow and subject to security redactions.